Best Airline Loyalty Programs

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, you know that flights can get pricey, especially when flying internationally. Airline rewards are a great way to help with these costs, but which program is best? save money on flights and be rewarded for your travels. The best way to do that? Sign up for an airline loyalty program.

The one you choose will be dependent on your travel frequency, distance, and goals. Additionally, selecting the right loyalty program for your needs will make a huge difference in how far your miles go and how easily you’ll earn rewards. In this guide, we’ll dive into five of the best airline loyalty programs by highlighting what they offer, who they’re best suited for, and what to watch out for.

Air France (Flying Blue Loyalty Program): Best for Globetrotters

Flying Blue is an ideal pick for frequent international travelers, especially those flying to Europe who desire to collect flexible credit card rewards or access to SkyTeam airlines. The program offers flexibility, a wide range of transfer partners, and strong value for international flights to and from Europe. It stands out to budget-conscious international travelers seeking affordable award flights, and to those who value the option of having multiple ways to earn and use miles.

Flying Blue Advantages You’ll Love:

Earn Miles Easily With Your Credit Cards

One of the best perks about Flying Blue is that you won’t have to limit your point-earning power to flights. With everyday purchases from their co-branded credit cards, you’ll accrue points easily through American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, HSBC Rewards, and Wells Fargo Rewards.

Strong Partner Network

As a SkyTeam alliance member, Flying Blue miles can be used on dozens of partner airlines, so your possibilities are endless. The program offers a robust selection of major international airline partners like Aeromexico, Air Canada, China Southern, Delta, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, and more.

Discounted Redemption (Promo Rewards Program)

You’ll often find flash deals for discounted redemption through the Flying Blue Promo rewards program. Past deals have included discounts from Paris, France to Rome, Italy, starting at 5,625 miles one-way, and Europe to Seattle, Washington, starting at 15,000 miles one-way.

Where Flying Blue Falls Short:

Limited Non-Stop Routes

Many travelers have expressed their frustrations with the limited number of non-stop routes available for redemption, especially during peak seasons.

Alaska (Mileage Plan): Best Overall

Alaska’s Mileage Plan is one of the most well-rounded airline loyalty programs available. Its simplicity makes it easier for travelers to understand how they’re earning miles with an easy 1-point-to-mile flown ratio, and its elite tiers offer huge benefits. Plus, redeeming miles on international travel is easy through partners like Cathay Pacific and Qantas. With a plethora of airline partners and user-friendly policies like elite leave for new parents, Mileage Plan is an excellent all-around loyalty program for both frequent and occasional travelers.

Mileage Plan Benefits You Shouldn’t Miss:

Distance-Based Earning

With a simple distance-based earning system, many travelers find that it simplifies how miles are earned, as well as the speed at which they accumulate. This works especially well for long-haul flights, where passengers can rack up the points quickly.

Generous Elite Tier Benefits

Once you’ve earned 20,000 miles, you’ll officially be an MVP, the lowest Elite Tier member, but nonetheless, an Elite member. Although this is at the bottom of the tiers, it still entitles you to great benefits such as priority check-in and boarding, free checked bags, complimentary preferred seating, free First and Premium Class upgrades as available, and even Elite Leave, which entitles new parents to keep their status for another year during their pregnancy or parenthood.

Where Mileage Plan Misses the Mark:

Co-Branded Credit Card Miles Won’t Get You Status

While most co-branded airline credit cards will help you earn miles towards elite status, Mileage Plan only counts miles that are earned in-flight. For non-frequent flyers or those who are eager to earn around-the-clock, this might be a deterrent.

Delta (Sky Miles): Best for Domestic and Business Travelers

Delta’s Sky Miles program is one of the best airline rewards programs for domestic travelers and those who fly often for business because it’s revenue-based. For those who plan on taking frequent trips across the U.S., you’ll often find that earning miles becomes quicker, rather than mileage-based systems. Plus, this program boasts impressive benefits for Platinum and Diamond members.

Why You’ll Love Sky Miles:

Miles Don’t Expire

While many major airline miles expire, your Sky Miles won’t, allowing travelers the flexibility to save up their points without feeling the pressure to use them up.

Generous Credit Card Bonuses

Their co-branded Amex credit cards offer impressive sign-up bonuses, with past Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business card bonuses reaching 100,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months of ownership.

A Sky Miles Drawback You Should Know About:

The Program Can be Complex

Many members of Delta’s Sky Miles Program complain that the program is a bit confusing to use. With dynamic pricing and no published rewards charts, many find it difficult to determine whether or not they’re getting the best value out of their miles.

Southwest (Rapid Rewards): Best for No-Frills Flyers

For travelers who aren’t interested in the glitz and glamour of many airline programs, Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program offers straightforward redemption with no black-out dates, and the ability to earn the coveted “Companion Pass," which allows couples and families to bring another passenger along for the ride at no charge so families and couples can get the best deals on Southwest flights.

Rapid Rewards Features You’ll Appreciate:

Flexible Redemption

Members can redeem their points not only for flights, but for gift cards, accommodations, merchandise, and more through their More Rewards program.

Rewards Seats on Every Flight

You won’t have to worry about finding a specific flight that will allow you to book with points. Rapid Rewards members can book seats with points on every Southwest flight.

Where Rapid Rewards Underperforms:

Points Can’t be Transferred

Unfortunately, Rapid Rewards points are limited to Southwest flights. As a result, it might not be the best pick for frequent flyers or those who value flexibility.

United (MileagePlus): Best for Domestic and International Travelers

If you fall somewhere in the middle of being a domestic and international traveler, United’s MileagePlus program is for you. With a large U.S. network and membership in the Star Alliance program, you won’t have to pick where you redeem your miles. They also offer a helpful search tool for easy navigation. Additionally, you’ll find that there are plenty of ways to earn points with co-branded credit cards.

MileagePlus Perks:

Large Partner Network

United boasts over 25 partner airlines, allowing international travelers to transfer their miles with ease.

Easy-to-Use Miles Finder Search Tool

This easy-to-use tool helps budget-conscious travelers get the most out of their miles. By simply inputting your arrival and departure airport, maximum miles budget, and desired cabin class, flyers can find the lowest award fares to get the most out of their redemption.

Where MileagePlus Isn’t Ideal:

Difficult to Reach Elite Status

MileagePlus is notorious for making Elite status difficult to get to. The requirements are as follows:

• Fly a minimum of four one-way United flights
• Fly up to 12 Premier Qualifying Flights
• Earn 4,000 Premier Qualifying Points